Press Releases
Transcript of Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food on SARS Alert Level
Following is a transcript of the remarks made by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, at the Legislative Council Building today (December 17):
Dr Yeoh: You know there has been a case of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) reported in Taiwan which has occurred in a laboratory researcher. This is a very good alert for us, a very good warning for us to review our systems. And we have already been in touch with the Hospital Authority and Department of Health to make sure that they have instituted the work they need to do with this alert.
As you know, this alert level is part of the contingency plans. We have asked the Hospital Authority to review their precautions to make sure that there is sufficient, to look at their preparations and review all procedures. I have also asked them to particularly pay attention to individuals that may have travelled to Taiwan in case they have symptoms that are suggestive of SARS. So, this is what the Hospital Authority is currently looking at. And I know that the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority has really held a meeting with his key colleagues.
I have also asked the Director of Health to be in contact with the Taiwan authorities to understand in greater depth relating to the circumstances of this infection. I have also asked the Director of Health to be in touch with both the public and private sectors for the medical fraternity to understand the present situation and for them to make sure that they are alert to any possible cases in Hong Kong.
So with this alert level, I think we are adequately prepared. Obviously, it is a warning for us. I believe that we have a good system where we now have a response system which swiftly responds to any contingencies. As you know, we have now good preparations, we have now much better facilities and we have adequate protective gear. The Department of Health has a very good surveillance system. Of course, all these are evolving, we can always improve.
Reporter: You mention that you have been paying special attention to those coming back from Taiwan...
Dr Yeoh: This will be done obviously first at the entry points. As you know that we have entry points at both land, sea and air. And of course, for individuals who have travelled from Taiwan, particular attention will be paid to the travellers whether they are Hong Kong residents or not, to make sure that in terms of health checks that we pay attention to whether individuals report sick or whether they have fever.
In relation to the other checks, it would be in terms of both the private and public sectors when they see individuals come back from or have visited Taiwan in the last 10 days if they have symptoms which are suggestive of SARS to pay particular attention and to refer those cases to the public sector for co-ordination. Those are the two manifestations of our surveillance.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)
Ends/Wednesday, December 17, 2003
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